Alarming Red Flags Threaten Steelers' Defense Against Miami In Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been up and down all season long. During the 2025 offseason, many experts predicted this unit would be historically dominant. At the very least, analysts assumed they would be one of the best defenses in the NFL. That hasn’t been the case, but the unit has certainly had its moments, showing flashes of the dominance fans were hoping for.

The defense took another hit Thursday when it was reported that superstar pass rusher TJ Watt could miss the Week 15 contest against the Miami Dolphins. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further lung evaluation after experiencing discomfort at the Steelers’ practice facility Wednesday. His status for Monday night’s game is now in question, a concerning development for a defense that has already struggled with consistency this season.

Adding to the alarm, NFL expert Mina Kimes highlighted another reason for concern on her podcast Thursday. Kimes pointed out that the Dolphins’ rushing attack could give the Steelers major trouble, especially in what is expected to be a cold game in Pittsburgh. With Watt’s availability uncertain and Miami’s ground game potentially taking over, the Steelers' defense faces one of its most critical tests of the season.

"It's going to cause specific problems for this Steelers defense," Kimes said Thursday while speaking on her show. "They [Dolphins] have the highest percentage of explosive runs in the league right now. [De'Von] Achane leads all backs in rush yards over expected per carry. The Steelers struggle with all of this, man. I'd be worried if I'm Pittsburgh, with what this Dolphins' offense is putting on tape."

The Dolphins’ superstar running back De’Von Achane has been nursing a rib injury he suffered in Week 14, but he is expected to be ready to go on Monday night against the Steelers. That is bad news for Pittsburgh’s defense, which has struggled all season to slow down the run in 2025. The concern is only heightened with the news that Watt is expected to miss time, leaving the Steelers without their top pass-rushing threat. 

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin had been bragging about implementing some never-before-seen strategies in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, and now he will need to get even more creative against a Dolphins offense that thrives on balance and speed.

Steelers' Defense Should Be Able To Shut Down Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been inconsistent throughout his NFL career and has historically struggled in cold, wet conditions. According to AccuWeather, temperatures in Pittsburgh could dip to around 20 degrees, with a “real feel” of just 8 degrees. While this might typically favor the Steelers, it also means Miami is likely to lean heavily on their potent rushing attack, especially with Achane healthy and ready. Pittsburgh’s linebackers and defensive line will have to execute flawlessly to keep the Dolphins from controlling the clock and the game’s momentum.

The key for the Steelers is clear: stop the run and win the game. Failure to do so could result in a long, frustrating night at Acrisure Stadium, as Miami’s offense could methodically wear down Pittsburgh’s front seven. With Watt’s status uncertain and Achane expected to play, the Steelers; defense will face one of its toughest tests of the season. How well Austin’s schemes hold up in this high-stakes matchup could determine whether Pittsburgh keeps its playoff hopes alive or suffers a major setback in Week 15.